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Colne football club bosses unveil bid to take ownership of ground

BOSSES at Colne Football Club have unveiled plans to take ownership of their ground in a bid to upgrade the facilities.

The club wants Pendle Council to transfer the freehold of the Holt House stadium to the club so that they are in a stronger position to bid for funding.

As well as plans for new changing rooms at the stadium, which holds 1,800 people, the club are also keen to create smaller pitches next to the ground that could be used by other teams from the local community.

Philip Mousdale, deputy chief executive of Pendle Council, said: “Colne FC is in the process of applying for funding from the Sport Foundation to upgrade its facilities.

“It considers that in connection with this it would be very beneficial to have the asset transferred to the club.

“The say it will help them with this bid and also improve their standing with the Football League who increasingly expect clubs to own their stadia outright.

“In addition, it is also asking that the council considers transferring a further area of land so that it can provide and maintain ‘small side’ sized pitches adjacent to where it intends to build the new changing rooms.

“These pitches could be available for use by other teams not just the club’s own junior teams. This suggestion would require further discussion with the club in due course.”

The Holt House land is also host to Colne and Nelson Rugby Club, and they are in the process of opening a new pavilion and building changing rooms that can be used by adults and children, and men and woman, thanks to a grant of £50,000 from Sport England.

The council recently agreed an extended 28 year lease with the club, but the club are also now considering whether to ask Pendle Council to transfer the freehold ownership to them.

Colne councillors will discuss both requests at a meeting next Thursday.